Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated yesterday that Russia expects the talks with the U.S. and NATO on Russia’s demands for security guarantees to begin in January. “We have said that it will probably occur in January. And we will expect particular answers to questions raised,” he reported. Asked if Russia had set any deadlines, Peskov said: “No deadlines can be here. We would like it to occur as soon as possible.” Questioned about a possible meeting between Presidents Putin and Biden, he said that another meeting would only be possible after particular agreements are reached at those consultations.’
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova had similar comments on Dec. 24. “We are confirming readiness for a direct dialogue with NATO about the Russian draft agreement on security guarantees for Russia, which rule out the alliance’s further eastward expansion and the deployment of offensive weapons in the immediate proximity to Russia’s borders,” she said at a news conference, reported TASS.
Peskov was also asked about satellite imagery that reportedly shows a Russian military buildup in areas contiguous with Ukraine. Peskov replied that “Russia is moving its own troops around on its own territory against the backdrop of highly unfriendly actions by our opponents in NATO, the United States and various European countries who are carrying out highly unambiguous maneuvers near our borders. This forces us to take certain measures to guarantee our own security.”
